UNiTE Worldwide

UNiTE in Latin America and the Caribbean

Latin America UNiTE was launched in Guatemala on 25 November 2009, with a series of activities that included an official launch ceremony featuring the President of Guatemala, a knowledge fair and a concert attended by over 5,000 people.

In November 2010, Latin America UNiTE was expanded to include the Caribbean. A high-level launch event was held in Barbados, where government and civil society representatives, along with local artists and performers, called for increased public awareness and more effective justice sector responses to gender-based violence.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, only a fraction of violence against women and girls is identified or reported. Victims may feel ashamed of reporting incidents of violence, afraid that they will not be believed or worried that the repercussions of seeking help will be more violence.

The three pillars of UNiTE in Latin America and the Caribbean are:

No more impunity

UNiTE aims to strengthen public institutions to eradicate violence against women and girls by implementing existing laws and public services that provide care for victims/survivors.

No more victims

UNiTE promotes a preventive approach to eradicate violence against women and girls, working in schools and communities to transform gender relations and promote non-violent conflict resolution.

It’s everybody’s responsibility

UNiTE encourages social mobilization and the proactive involvement of non-traditional partners, especially young men.

Every country in Latin America and the Caribbean has carried out activities as part of the UNITE campaign.